A stacked-high sandwich and a naturally sweet pear and goat cheese salad are just two of the delicious meatless options for followers of the South Beach Diet.

On the South Beach Diet, meals centered around vegetables and plant protein go way beyond the usual stir-fries and veggie burgers. The following South Beach Diet recipes are packed with protein and use fiber-rich foods.

Try the Tempeh Dagwood Sandwich, which features a delicious alternative to tofu, and the Whole Wheat Penne with Eggplant and Ricotta, which is free from processed carbs. All of these South Beach Diet recipes are high in flavor and low in prep time.

Whole Wheat Penne with Eggplant and Ricotta

Tossing hot pasta and vegetables with ricotta cheese creates a quick, creamy sauce that's rich in taste and low in fat. Top this dish with fresh parsley or basil, if you have some on hand.

1. Heat oven to 450 degrees F.2. Lightly coat a baking pan with oil. Place eggplant in the pan, drizzle with 1 tablespoon of the oil, season with salt and pepper, toss to coat, and spread in an even layer. Bake, stirring once, until eggplant is lightly browned, about 25 minutes.3. While eggplant is roasting, cook pasta according to the package directions.4. Meanwhile, heat remaining oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add onion and cook, stirring occasionally, until softened, about 5 minutes. Add garlic and cook 1 minute more. Add tomatoes with juice and bring to a boil. Reduce heat to medium-low, cover, and simmer for 3 minutes. Stir in vinegar and season to taste with salt and pepper.5. Drain pasta, place in a large bowl, and add tomato mixture, eggplant, and cheese. Toss to combine, season with salt and pepper, and serve.Makes 4 (2-cup) ServingsPer Serving: 420 calories, 14 g fat, 4 g saturated fat, 18 g protein, 62 g carbohydrate, 12 g dietary fiber, 320 mg sodiumPrep Time: 15 minutesCook Time: 25 minutes

Recipes are excerpted from The South Beach Diet Quick & Easy Cookbook by Arthur Agatston, MD (Rodale Inc., 2005), with permission of the publisher.[pagebreak]

Tempeh Dagwood Sandwich

Stacked up high and filled with smooth avocado, juicy tomato, and creamy cheese, this power-protein sandwich is a South Beach Diet vegetarian favorite. Vegans can use nondairy mayo and soy cheese. If you have extra time, marinate the tempeh for up to an hour.

Green Leaf, Pear, and Goat Cheese Salad

Ever since goat cheese became a common cooking ingredient, it seems to show up everywhere. Here, we mix it with freshly toasted walnuts, crisp fruity pear, and fresh leafy greens; the slightly smoky taste of the walnuts in this simple salad is a nice contrast to the creamy and delicious goat cheese.